On 21–22 October 2025, a two-day interregional conference “How to Attract Residents to Innovative Economic Spaces: Industrial Parks, Technology Parks, Science and Technology Hubs” was held in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, the Khmelnytskyi Regional Development Agency, and the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration within the framework of the project “Enhanced Partnership for Sustainable Recovery” (EPSR), implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The event brought together over 60 participants from 13 regions of Ukraine, including representatives of international organizations, public authorities, regional development agencies, businesses, and the expert community.
One of the central topics of the conference was the Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) model – an innovative approach that combines economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social sustainability. The implementation of the EIP approach is is carried out through the framework of the project “Eco-Industrial Parks Programme II – Ukraine Country-Level Intervention” (GEIPP–II Ukraine), implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Switzerland through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Eco-Industrial Parks create synergy between businesses, authorities, and communities. They are not only about infrastructure but about collaboration, innovation, and the implementation of clean technologies that enhance business competitiveness while reducing negative environmental impact
noted Anton Kleshchov, National Coordinator of the GEIPP-II Ukraine Project/UNIDO
Key benefits of the EIP approach:
- Reduced consumption of energy, water, raw materials, and chemicals
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions and production waste
- Development of the labour market and improved quality of life in communities
- Expanded access to new technologies, finance, and partnerships
Following the conference, participants identified new areas of interregional cooperation to help communities attract investment more effectively, develop innovative economic spaces, and apply best practices – including the EIP criteria – for sustainable economic growth and Ukraine’s green transformation.
